Vehicle Pedal Apparatus with Adjustable Pad Angle via Movable Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle pedal apparatuses have a fixed pad-angle, which cannot be adjusted to suit individual drivers' body characteristics or preferences, leading to discomfort and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A pedal apparatus with a link section and hinge-adjusting mechanism that allows the pad-angle to be adjusted by moving the link section in a longitudinal direction, using a flexible circular plate with recesses and toothed parts, and an elastic member to facilitate easy angle adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed pad-angle design is used in conventional vehicles, then the structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the pad-angle cannot be adjusted to suit different drivers' body characteristics or preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed pad-angle bracket into a movable one. The bracket is designed to slide along the pedal arm in a longitudinal direction, allowing the pad-angle to be adjusted dynamically according to different drivers' needs. This is achieved through a movable connection between the bracket and pedal arm, enabling the bracket to change its position and thus the pad-angle while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the bracket structure into a movable bracket portion and a fixed pedal arm portion. By separating the bracket from the pedal arm and allowing relative movement between them, the system enables pad-angle adjustment without requiring complete structural redesign. The link section with toothed parts further segments the adjustment mechanism into discrete, controllable units.
2Reliability
If a linear motor is incorporated to provide pedal-depressing force, then the pedal-depressing force can be provided accurately, but the structure becomes complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the linear motor from the pedal actuating structure, removing the complex electromagnetic actuation system while retaining the essential mechanical linkage. By taking out the linear motor and relying on the driver's direct foot operation through the simplified movable bracket and link section, the system achieves reliable pedal operation without the added complexity and cost of electromagnetic actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by designing the pedal apparatus to be directly operated by the driver's foot without requiring additional actuating mechanisms. The movable bracket and link section enable the driver to control the pedal angle and force application through natural foot movement, eliminating the need for complex motorized assistance while maintaining operational reliability.
3Ease of operation
If different pedal designs are used for different vehicles or drivers, then each driver's comfort can be optimized, but manufacturing cost increases due to lack of parts-sharing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single pedal apparatus structure that can serve multiple functions and adapt to different drivers. The movable bracket with adjustable link section allows one standardized pedal design to accommodate various driver preferences and vehicle types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized pedal designs while maintaining driver comfort through adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing the pad-angle parameter to be adjusted within a range rather than being fixed. The link section can move to different positions, changing the effective angle and geometry of the pedal assembly. This enables a single standardized pedal design to provide customized comfort for different drivers by varying the operational parameters rather than requiring different physical components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables personalized adjustment of the pad-angle to suit different drivers, improving comfort and efficiency, allowing the same pedal to be used in various vehicles, and reducing manufacturing costs through parts-sharing.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member to facilitate easy angle adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
A pedal apparatus for a vehicle may include a pad, a bracket which may be disposed below the pad, wherein the bracket may be coupled to the pad and a pedal arm at each opposite end of the pad and the pedal arm, respectively, a link section which may be disposed in the bracket, wherein the link section may be coupled to a lower portion of the pad and an intermediate portion of the bracket, respectively, such that the bracket may be movable in a longitudinal direction thereof, and a hinge-adjusting section which may be disposed above the link section such that an angle of the pad may be adjusted as the link section moves in the longitudinal direction thereof.